Visit of His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar to Pakistan, 23-24 March 2015
On the invitation of His Excellency Mr. Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, paid official visit to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on 23-24 March 2015.
On arrival at the Nur Khan Airbase, H.H. the Emir of the State of Qatar was very warmly welcomed by the Prime Minister, Members of the Cabinet, Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and the Chiefs of Staff of Pakistan Army, Navy and Air Force. Guard of Honour was presented to H.H. the Emir of the State of Qatar at the airport.
His Excellency President Mamnoon Hussain had a meeting with H.H. the Emir of the State of Qatar after his arrival in Islamabad. During the meeting, both the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen relations between the two brotherly countries and deepen existing cooperation in all fields of mutual interest. They also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest and concern. H.H. the Emir of the State of Qatar extended invitation to the President to visit Qatar.
Delegation-level talks were held at the Prime Minister’s House. The Prime Minister of Pakistan and H.H. the Emir of the State of Qatar led their respective sides. The talks were preceded by a One-on-One meeting between the Prime Minister and H.H. the Emir of the State of Qatar. Both sides identified energy, trade and economic cooperation, investment, manpower and defence as priority areas for further enhancing bilateral relations and strengthening their existing mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields.
The Prime Minister expressed deep appreciation for the progress made by the State of Qatar under the sagacious leadership of H.H. the Emir. On behalf of the people and the Government of Pakistan, the Prime Minister also extended heartiest felicitations to the people and the leadership of the State of Qatar for hosting FIFA 2022 World Cup, one of the most prestigious sports events in the World.
H.H. the Emir of the State of Qatar appreciated the measures taken by the Government of Pakistan over the last two years to achieve economic stability, provide conducive environment for investment, improve infrastructure and address energy situation. He also expressed profound appreciation for the contribution made by Pakistani expatriate community to the socio-economic development of the State Qatar. The Prime Minister thanked H.H. the Emir of the State of Qatar for hosting a large number of Pakistanis. Both the leaders agreed that development projects Qatar was planning to undertake to host FIFA 2022 World Cup would provide opportunities for further employment of Pakistani manpower in the State of Qatar.
The following instruments were signed after the conclusion of delegation-level talks, in the presence of H.H. the Emir of the State of Qatar and the Prime Minster of Pakistan:
a. Agreement of Cooperation in the field of Culture between the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Government of the State of Qatar;
b. Memorandum of Understanding in the field of Youth and Sports between the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Government of the State of Qatar; and
c. First Executive Programme for Cooperation in the Fields of Education, Higher Education and Scientific Research for the Cultural, Scientific, Technical, Educational and Media Cooperation Agreement between the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Government of the State of Qatar for the Academic Years (2015/2016 – 2016/2017 – 2017/2018)
The Prime Minister hosted a banquet in the honour of H.H. the Emir of the State of Qatar and members of his entourage. H.H. the Emir planted a sapling at Shakarparian.
During the visit, H.H. the Emir of the State of Qatar received the Speaker National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Rashad Mahmood.
The meetings of H.H. the Emir of the State of Qatar with the President and the Prime Minister and calls on H. H. the Emir by Pakistani dignitaries were held in a very cordial atmosphere. Both sides, underlining the fraternal ties that exist between the two countries, stressed the need for nourishing the brotherly bonds through economic linkages and enhancing people-to people contacts.
Pakistan and the State of Qatar share similar views on a number of regional and international issues and enjoy close cooperation in multilateral forums. During the talks, both sides discussed the challenges posed to the regional stability, reiterated their condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reaffirmed their desire to strengthen cooperation on this issue. The Qatari side acknowledged tremendous sacrifices made by Pakistan while combating terrorism and appreciated Pakistan’s contribution in making the world a safer and a better place.
H.H. the Emir of the State of Qatar reiterated Qatar’s support for early finalization of Pakistan-GCC Free Trade Agreement, in order to further improve economic and trade ties.
His Highness the Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, thanked the people and the Government of Pakistan for the warm reception and generous hospitality accorded to him and his accompanying delegation. His Highness renewed invitation to the Prime Minister of Pakistan to visit State of Qatar, which was gladly accepted.
Islamabad
24 March 2015